Bangladesh Agricultural Extension Society and Rural Development Academy (RDA) jointly organized an International Conference on Research and Extension for Sustainable Rural Development during 15-16 February, 2018 with the participation of a large number of extensionists, researchers and other stakeholders. The event was organized at the green and clean premises of Rural Development Academy (RDA) located at Sherpur, Bogra.
The inaugural ceremony of the conference was graced by Professor Dr. Manash Mohan Adhikary, former Vice-chancellor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Bishwabiddyaloy, West Bengal, India as the chief guest. Mr. M. A. Matin, Director General of Rural Development Academy was the Chief Patron while Professor Dr. M. Zulfikar Rahman, President of Bangladesh Agricultural Extension Society presided over the session.
Dr. A. K. M. Zakaria, Director, Training Division, RDA presented the welcome address. Then Mr. M. A. Matin, Director General of Rural Development Academy presented the keynote speech highlighting the collaboration of RDA with Bangladesh Agricultural Extension Society. He informed the audience that Mr. Md. Mashiur Rahman Ranga, MP, Honourable State Minister, Ministry of LGRD and Co-operatives, Govt. of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh could not attend as the Chief Guest due to important meeting in Dhaka. Crests and certificates were awarded to some progressive farmers for their achievements in their respective fields. Professor Dr. Manash Mohan Adhikary, former Vice-chancellor, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Bishwabiddyaloy, West Bengal, India expressed satisfaction for the dynamic activities of Bangladesh Agricultural Extension Society and assured continued cooperation to this organization. Professor Dr. M. Jiaul Hoque, General Secretary, Bangladesh Agricultural Extension Society offered the vote of thanks to the participants, organizers, patrons and all concerned for their support, cooperation and contribution. The inaugural session was concluded by the closing remarks by Dr. M. Zulfikar Rahman, President of Bangladesh Agricultural Extension Society who highly appreciated Mr. M. A. Matin and his team of RDA for their support and cooperation in organizing the two days international conference.
Technical sessions were organized at four venues where eight sessions took place on 15 and 16 February, 2018. Following technical sessions were held covering relevant aspects of research and extension for sustainable rural development:
1. Models for Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
2. Research on Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
3. Climate Change, Disaster, Environment and Food Security
4. Applied and On-farm Research in Agriculture (Part-1)
5. Socio-economic Issues of Rural Development
6. Sustainable and Innovative Technologies towards Rural Development
7. Cross-cutting Areas of Agriculture and Rural Development
8. Applied and On-farm Research in Agriculture (Part-2)
Felicitation and Cultural Evening was held on 15 February at night at RDA Auditorium. The cultural function was very attractive. Many young artists and participants rendered their contributions in the cultural function which included songs, recitations, jokes and dancing events. A visit to RDA facilities and farm was organized by RDA management on 16 February morning. The participants were amazed by the innovative activities and action research of RDA. They acquired knowledge of the special activities of RDA during this visit. The concluding session was held on 16 February at RDA Auditorium. The outstanding presenters were awarded in the concluding session. Dr. Akram H. Chowdhury, Chairman, Barendra Multipurpose Development Authority was present in the concluding session as chief guest. Professor Dr. Lutful Hasan, Coordinator, Committee for Advanced Studies and Research (CASR), Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh addressed the audience as guest of honour. Mr. M. A. Matin, Director General of Rural Development Academy and Dr. M. Zulfikar Rahman, President of Bangladesh Agricultural Extension Society also spoke in the session.
Business session for BAES members was held on 16 February. An executive committee for 2018-19 term was formed in the business session. A visit to Mahasthangar, a famous historical place of Bogra was arranged after the business session. This visit was a lifetime experience for the most of the participants.
Professor Dr. Mohammad Jiaul Hoque, General Secretary, BAES informed this correspondent that 200 participants from home and abroad registered for the international conference. A good number of participants joined from China,India,Indonesia,Malaysia,Nigeria, Philippines and Somalia. Presentations of Technical sessions and Poster display focused on research and extension activities for sustainable rural development in Bangladesh and in the countries of the foreign participants. A comprehensive Abstract Proceedings was published and distributed among all participants. The proceedings incorporated all information related to the conference. The proceedings was enriched by the valuable messages from Sheikh Hasina, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Govt. of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Md. Mashiur Rahman Ranga, MP, Hon’ble State Minister, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, Govt. of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Besides, precious messages from Ms Mafruha Sultana, Secretary, Rural Development and Cooperative Division, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives, Govt. of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Professor Dr.Md. Ali Akbar, Vice-Chancellor, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Professor, Dr. M. Abul Kashem, Vice-Chancellor, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Professor Dr. Md. Jasimuddin Khan, Pro- Vice-Chancellor, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mohammad Mohsin, Director General, Department of Agricultural Extension, Dr. Md. Kabir Ikramul Haque, Executive Chairman, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Director General, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Dr. Md. Shahjahan Kabir, Director General, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Syed Arif Azad, Director General, Department of Fisheries, Dr. Md. Ainul Haque, Director General,Department of Livestock Services,
Engineer M. A. Matin, Director General of Rural Development Academy, Professor Dr. M. Zulfikar Rahman, President of Bangladesh Agricultural Extension Society and Professor Dr. M. Jiaul Hoque, General Secretary, Bangladesh Agricultural Extension Society highlighted the importance of this international conference for sustainable rural development.
The International Conference on Research and Extension for Sustainable Rural Development was an important milestone of the Bangladesh Agricultural Extension Society. The findings and recommendations of this conference will greatly help in the sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas of Bangladesh and participating countries.